Can You Convert Any Propane Fire Pit To Natural Gas?
Propane fire pits are accessible, easy to use, and cost-effective. However, it can be tempting to convert one to natural gas because you can easily connect to your home’s line. So, can you convert any propane fire pit to natural gas?
It is possible to convert any propane fire pit to natural gas if you use a natural gas conversion kit. You must remove the old propane tank, leads, and connections. Attach the new hoses and make sure that there are 36 square inches of ventilation around the pit before you test it out.
Propane is cleaner and more affordable than natural gas, but natural gas is more convenient sometimes. Convenience and access are why many homeowners convert a propane fire pit to natural gas. Follow along as we answer the question; can you convert any propane fire pit to natural gas?
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Can You Convert Any Propane Fire Pit To Natural Gas?
You can convert most propane fire pits to natural gas with a natural gas conversion kit. Natural gas conversion kits cost an average of $50, and they work on nearly every propane fire pit. However, it is important to refer to your propane fire pit’s manual to see if it is safe to do so.
It is unsafe to use a frayed hose to convert any propane fire pit to natural gas. A frayed hose can lead to gas leaks or a buildup of gas pressure. That can create a fire hazard and can render your fire pit useless. You also need to refer to local building codes because some areas don’t allow you to convert a fire pit to natural gas due to the fire risk.
Before We Begin: Is This Safe?
Let’s start with the most obvious issue: safety. Most people agree that it is safe to convert a propane-powered fire pit to a natural gas setup. However, there are still a couple of things that you should be aware of when you do this:
- You need to use a conversion kit. Do not try to DIY this type of conversion. Never try to use natural gas with a propane setup, as this can also cause explosive results.
- Do not use any sort of hoses that look frayed. This is basic fire safety, yo.
- Take a look at the local building codes and fire codes. Some regions will not allow you to do conversions since there is a mild risk of having fire-related issues.
- Make sure to follow all instructions in the kit. Do not leave loose ends, and always double-check to make sure that you don’t have gas leaks before you turn on the fire pit.
How Do You Convert a Propane Fire Pit?
It is easy to convert any propane fire pit to natural gas if you follow the instruction on your conversion kit. Purchase a natural gas conversion kit for $40-$60 and make sure that it is compatible with your fire pit. Let’s take a look at the steps it takes to convert a propane fire pit to natural gas.
1. Turn off the Gas
Shut off the propane supply to your fire pit before you do anything. This will make it safe to work with and will stop propane from leaking while you work. Remove all of the propane lines and tank and set them aside in a safe container or bucket.
2. Replace the Connections
Replace the connections, or orifices, with the natural gas orifices from your conversion kit. There will be a spot to connect the orifices from your conversion kit to everywhere that there was a propane connection. Make sure that each connection is tight so that no gas will leak out later on.
3. Connect the Natural Gas Lead
Connect the natural gas lead connection to the natural gas source that you choose. Natural gas tanks exist, but it is more common to connect the lead to your home’s natural gas line.
4. Set Up Ventilation
Ventilation is important because it can help protect against damage, leaks, and combustion. Make sure that there are at least 36 square inches of ventilation holes around the fire pit. The holes may already be in place if you frequently use your propane fire pit.
5. Mount the Gas Valve
Install a turn ball valve so that you can release the natural gas. Natural gas conversion kits generally come with a ¼” turn ball valve that you can mount on the outside of the pit. Make sure to install the gas valve somewhere that you can easily access it when you need to use the natural gas fire pit.
6. Check the Connections
Inspect the leads and connections to look for frays, cracks, and air bubbles. Each of these problems can create a dangerous fire hazard or gas leak. Never ignite a natural gas fire pit if the lines are damaged or if you haven’t finished the installation.
Can You Hire Someone To Convert Your Fire Pit?
In many cases, you might be able to. While you might not be able to hire people to do it on specific fire pit brands, a handyman will be able to convert many types for a nominal fee. You also might be able to get landscapers who have experience with fire pits to make the switch for you. If you feel worried about doing this on your own, this is the best possible route that you can go through.
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Related Questions
Why is my natural gas fire pit flame blue?
Spooky, right? Natural gas that burns blue suggests that you have a perfectly clean combustion, which means that you don’t have any smoke. Moreover, a blue flame also suggests that you will be able to enjoy a higher heat than standard wood or charcoal. You shouldn’t worry if your flame is blue. It’s totally normal.
Can you cook over a fire pit?
This all depends on the type of fire pit that you have. We do not suggest doing this with a fire pit that has a glass encasing or that has a lot of nice little stones around the flame. After all, you don’t want to have grease and grime all over that stuff. With that said, all fire pits work well when you are trying to roast a marshmallow.
What is the best thing to put at the bottom of a fire pit?
If you have a traditional “dig in” fire pit, then the smartest thing you can do is surround the area with fire-safe sand and rocks. Things like gravel and sand will help prevent the fire from spreading while keeping things totally natural. There’s nothing to clean up and in many cases, using a stylish type of sand can help add a certain level of style to your fire pit area. Regardless of the type of fire pit, you always should choose a fireproof surface to place the pit on.
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Ossiana Tepfenhart is an expert writer, focusing on interior design and general home tips. Writing is her life, and it's what she does best. Her interests include art and real estate investments.
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